Your feet are remarkable structures—26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all working together to keep you moving. Yet despite their importance, foot health is often overlooked until pain becomes unbearable. Early attention to problems can prevent serious complications. Here are five signs you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Persistent Pain or Swelling – Occasional soreness after a long walk is normal, but chronic pain or swelling could signal underlying issues such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, arthritis, or even fractures. Ignoring this can worsen the condition.
2. Changes in Color or Shape – A sudden change in skin tone may indicate poor circulation or infection. Swelling in one foot could be linked to deep vein thrombosis. Structural changes like bunions or hammertoes require professional assessment before they worsen.
3. Wounds That Won’t Heal – Slow-healing sores can be a warning sign of diabetes-related complications or vascular disease. Infections can spread quickly if untreated.
4. Severe Cracking, Scaling, or Peeling on Heels – While dry skin is common, deep cracks can invite infection. Persistent scaling may point to fungal conditions like athlete’s foot.
5. Numbness, Tingling, or Loss of Sensation – These may signal nerve damage (neuropathy), often associated with diabetes. Loss of sensation increases injury risk because you may not feel cuts or burns.

Your feet are your foundation—don’t ignore what they’re trying to tell you. If you experience any of these signs, a foot care evaluation could save you from long-term damage.